Hawick Rugby Club Announces Sponsorship Renewal

Last year Banks Renewables took on the role as the club’s principle sponsor as The Greens returned to the Premier League and after a successful year on and off the pitch the partnership has been renewed for another 12 months.

The sponsorship deal will mean that the company’s logo will once again take pride of place on shirts, post-protectors, corner flags and around Mansfield Park.

Dr Charlie Oliver, Sponsorship Convenor of Hawick Rugby Football Club said: “Banks Renewables were a fantastic sponsor for us last year, so we’re delighted to have them back on board.

“Their support has been vital to the rugby club as we continue to develop younger players while also trying to attract and keep hold of exciting first team talent.

“Off the field they have helped us build better facilities for the younger teams and the community to enjoy and we are looking at similar projects in the near future.”

Banks Renewables has submitted plans to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit and the Scottish Borders Council for a 15 turbine wind farm at Birneyknowe, between Hawick and Bonchester Bridge.

In April 2013, the company was granted planning permission by Scottish Borders Council for a 13 turbine windfarm at Quixwood Moor, near Grantshouse.

The Hamilton based company has been working tirelessly to discuss these plans with the community in recent years, outlining a list of benefits for local businesses and charity groups.

The committee at Hawick Rugby Club say they have been impressed by the professional way the company has engaged with the community. Charlie added: “Banks has always been extremely professional and very open with its plans in the community.

“No matter what your thoughts are on wind farms, you have to be impressed by the efforts Banks make to engage with the community and this is something that’s important to us when we look for a sponsorship partner.”

Hawick, fittingly known as The Greens, enjoyed a successful first season back in the Premiership in 2013/14 as they finished mid table, securing their spot in the top flight.

Phil Dyke, development director at Banks Renewables says the sponsorship deal plays an important role in helping the company to engage with the community to outline their plans.

He said: “Hawick Rugby Club is the heartbeat of the community, not just because of the passion for rugby in the area, but also the facilities the club provides to the community.

“It’s of vital importance to us that local communities are at the heart of our developments, and that those living and working nearby understand the benefits we can bring to a community, via our developments.

“The sponsorship helps us to discuss benefits such as job creation and training programmes, but also helps us to understand the needs of the community and strengthens our links with them.

“It’s fantastic to be working with Hawick Rugby Club again and we wish the team every success in the season ahead.”

Previously the club was awarded £9000 from the Banks Community Fund, towards the refurbishment of the dated changing rooms, facilities which officially opened to players and members at the end of April 2013.

In addition to providing green energy, Banks Renewables strives to provide communities that host its wind farms with benefits that will make a meaningful, positive and lasting difference to the lives of those living closest to the sites.

In addition to the creation of training opportunities, the Birneyknowe community fund, which could generate up to £300,000-a-year for the local area, could also deliver direct funding into community groups.

During the construction of the wind farm, there will also be a variety of opportunities for local firms to tender for contracts ranging from construction and maintenance to hospitality.

Visit http://www.banksgroup.co.uk/birneyknowe/ to find out more about the proposed Birneyknowe Wind Farm. You can also show your support for the proposal on the website, by clicking the ‘Support this Project’ button.

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Private: Heather Peebles

Based as a PR in Edinburgh, Heather Peebles is a highly-valued member of the team at Holyrood Partnership. Her work with the Scottish public relations consultancy sees her advising clients in healthcare, construction, renewables and logistics. As well as delivering numerous successful PR campaigns, she is also experienced in crisis PR and reputation management.